Lawrence D. Bell Aircraft Museum

In Mentone, Indiana, this aviation museum is devoted to Lawrence D. Bell, the aircraft manufacturer associated with Bell Aircraft and Bell helicopters. After Bell died in 1956, he left his personal memorabilia to the town, linking his legacy to the community. The museum opened in 1972, and a larger permanent home for the collection was developed through fundraising begun in 1976, with construction starting in May 1979 and formal dedication on 6 June 1982. Its exhibits include a recreation of Bell’s personal museum, Mentone history, a library, and a display tracing Bell helicopter development, while its annual fly-in connects the collection to ongoing aviation culture.

Mentone, Indiana · United States